Getting the Most out of the least. I'm a hybrid strongman/Bodyweight guy/odd lifter with a flavor for unconventionality and an interest in getting strong. Welcome.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

The Fat Bug?

You have to love scientists. They’ve been trying to uncover the medical reason why people are fat. Of course, fat people have to love this. After all, it wouldn’t be their fault that they’re fat. They have some kind of medical condition. Therefore, they need medical treatment. The medical industry must love this too. Then, they can sell the treatment to obesity. Irresponsibility and dishonesty is a money-making combination that’s made in heaven (or hell, depending on how you look at it).

The concept of bacteria or viral-induced obesity has floated around for, to the best of my recollection, at least ten years. Scientists know that certain bugs (like certain strains of the flu) causing weight gain in humans and other animals. The theory goes that one in particular that causes weight gain.

Another theory has to do with low thyroid function. The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system located in your neck above your collar bone. It’s hormone release provokes metabolism. So, if this chunk of meat doesn’t squirt enough metabo-juice into your bloodstream, you don’t burn carbs and fat. Therefore you get fatter.

What’s most irksome about these is that they’re used as reasons or excuses (is there a difference?) for being fat. They’re reasons for being more prone to getting fat. If there is a fat bug or if a person has low thyroid function (BTW, I’ve heard that being obese suppresses thyroid function, so being fat precedes low thyroid, not the other way around.) then all this means is you’ll be more sensitive to gaining weight. Your behaviors and habits will still determine if you gain weight or not. Think about this: Richard Blackman of F.I.T fame (http://wwwfruitarianfitness.com) had a sudden drop in thyroid function tomorrow, do you think that he’d gain 50 lbs with the way he eats?

If you’re fat, then you need to realize that you may have underlying issues with your body that make it easier to gain weight. Everyone burns calories at different rates. I could easily less healthy than I do and still keep my flat stomach. I have a friend who, after two kids, can’t eat bad two days in a row without noticing a weight gain. Remember what I just said, these are reasons for being sensitive, not reasons for being fat. Your lifestyle choices still count.